Rotary union for use with a fluid conduit

Abstract

A rotary union is provided. The rotary union includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a sealing member. The first housing portion has a first fluid passage formed therein and the second housing portion has a second fluid passage formed therein. The second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage. The sealing member is disposed on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion and is sealingly engaged with a remaining one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a substantially similar direction to an axis of rotation of one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The rotary union permits axial deviation between a rotating component and a non-rotating component, reduces friction generated within the rotary union, and permits an increased flow rate of a fluid through the rotary union.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]The present application claims the benefit of and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 677,028 filed Jul. 30, 2012, entitled “ROTARY UNION FOR USE WITH A FLUID CONDUIT.”FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to rotary unions forming a portion of a fluid conduit and, more particularly, to a rotary union for use with a tire inflation system that facilitates delivery of a pressurized fluid, such as air.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Tire inflation systems for vehicles are well-known and are used to provide a vehicle with versatility for differing terrain types or to reduce maintenance requirements. For example, a pressure of a plurality of tires in fluid communication with the tire inflation system may be lowered to provide additional traction for the vehicle and may be raised to reduce a rolling resistance of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle having the tire inflation system eliminates a need to periodically check a pressure...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a rotary union that reduces friction between parts, allows for smooth rotation between components, and increases the flow rate of fluid through the system. This is useful in tire inflation systems.

Problems solved by technology

Such operations add cost to the vehicle the rotary union is incorporated in.

Friction between the resilient seals and the surfaces the seals are engaged with results in excessive drag and heat generation.

Further, a force applied by the reinforcing member is substantially constant regardless of a speed of the rotating component; which may result in the force applied by the reinforcing member to decrease at higher operational speeds.

Typically, due to space limitations or manufacturing concerns, the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice have small cross-sectional areas.

Consequently, a flow rate of a fluid through the rotary union may be limited.

The limited flow rate through the rotary union may also limit a size or a number of tires that may be inflated using the rotary union.

Such deficiencies may result in dissatisfaction with the tire inflation system.

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